Geography Trivia

The original name of Cincinnati, Ohio was Losantiville, meaning "City opposite the mouth of the Licking River." It was named by surveyor John Filson. He took four terms, each from a different language, and strung them together. The "L" was the first letter of Licking River (English). "Os" is Latin for mouth. "Anti" is Greek for opposite. "Ville" is French for city.

Half of all Americans live within fifty miles of their birthplace.

London was the first city in modern history to reach a population of one million people.

The area of Africa that is wilderness is 28%. The area of North America that is wilderness is 38%.

The state where the highest percentage of people walk to work is Alaska.

Shanghai, China , is the most populated city in the world.

The town of Accident, Maryland is next to a state highway. Approaching town is a sign which says "Accident Ahead."

La Paz , Bolivia , is around 12,000 feet above sea level. There are few fires because there is not enough oxygen to support one.

The only state in the US to have a one syllable name is Maine.

The highest spot in Pennsylvania is lower than the lowest spot in Colorado.

You can sail around the world at latitude 60° South.

The Vatican City is the smallest independent state in the world. It also one of the only countries within another country, being inside Italy. The other one is San Marino which is also inside Italy.

Pisa , Italy lies six miles from the coast of the Mediterranean Sea. But in the 5th century, B.C., it was a sea port. Excavators have found fifteen ships with their cargo intact buried in the clay under the city.

Satellite images have shown that Los Angeles is moving east at a rate of 1/5 inch per year.

The city with the longest official name is Bangkok, Thailand. It's official name is Krungthep Mahanakhon Amorn Rattanakosin Mahintara Yudthaya Mahadilok Pohp Noparat Rajathanee Bureerom Udomrajniwes Mahasatarn Amorn Pimarn Avaltarnsatit Sakatattiya Visanukram Prasit.

Montreal , Canada is south of Paris, France, despite the difference in climate.